Newcastle 2 Vics 3 (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria come from behind to knock Newcastle Town out of Doodson Sport Cup

10:44am Wednesday 11th January 2012 in Match reports By Andrew Simpson

CAN’T beat ‘em, then copy ‘em instead.

Northwich, mugged in the last minute by Buxton at the weekend, left it late – very late – before knocking Newcastle Town out of the Doodson Sport Cup for the second successive season.

The winner, four minutes into added time, was worth the wait.

Substitute Tom Field, spotted in space on the edge of the area by Paul Ennis, took a touch from his teammate’s corner before lashing in a perfectly-placed shot.

It settled a contest in which both teams held, and lost, a lead.

Northwich, not unexpectedly when fielding nine different faces from the start of Saturday’s league encounter, started slowly and without direction.

Defensive diligence kept the visitors’ sheet clean, first makeshift full back Jordan Johnson blocking Jack Harrison’s shot then Tom Smyth sticking out a boot at the right moment when Nathan Sutton had a sight of goal soon afterwards.

Vics’ first chance followed on 26 minutes, but Tony Evans blazed off target after Johnson had danced into space.

A magic moment preceded the visitors’ opening goal, Riley sending the ball in Paul Ennis’ direction before caressing the ball into the top corner when meeting the winger’s return pass.

Newcastle’s leveller was ugly, Kyle Diskin’s drive from distance hitting a divot to deceive goalkeeper Arron Morrison as he prepared to parry.

Town turned around the contest within five minutes of the restart, top scorer Anthony Malbon applying an emphatic finish after racing clear when a Newcastle head sent Morrison’s kick back over Vics’ defence.

Riley missed a sitter on the hour, looping over a header with the goal at his mercy after the home team’s custodian Ben Chapman had spilled Ennis’ initial effort.

Evans drilled his best shot against an upright and Sean Kinsella forced Town’s number one to tip his free kick to safety as Vics sought an equaliser of their own.

It arrived with nine minute left, Riley reacting fastest to steer in a loose ball after a defender had diverted Evans’ cross into his path.

Sutton was sent off shortly after the restart after he appeared to stamp on a prone Ennis close to the touchline, although Newcastle’s bench claimed the contact was accidental.

Riley’s shot was stabbed clear by Chapman as Northwich tried to make their extra man count, Field’s fine hit having exactly that affect as extra time loomed for both teams.

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Vics’ Star Man Wayne Riley. The only complaint about his performance can be that he didn’t score a hat-trick, but that would be harsh.

Restored to his best position at the heart of Vics’ midfield, he immediately reverted to type; timing a run into a shooting position from which he could score.

Produced as emphatic a finish as will be seen on any pitch for the visitors’ first, showing his instinct to be in the right place at the right time to tuck in a loose ball later on.

Newcastle (4-4-2) Chapman (GK), Askey, Bayley, Chadwick, Connor (Bratt 86), Price (Ashman 90), Diskin (Nicholls 61), Ryder, Harrison, Malbon, Sutton
Subs not used Hutchinson, Hulme
Goals Diskin 43, Malbon 50
Booked Diskin, Price, Ryder (all fouls)
Sent off Sutton (violent conduct)

Vics (4-4-2) Arron Morrison (GK), Johnson, Smyth, Horne (Armstrong 46), Fitzpatrick, Ennis, Riley, Kinsella, Abbott (Field 77), Clarke (Wade 77), Evans
Subs not used Asher, Bailey-Jones
Goals Riley 30, 81 Field 90 (+4)
Booked Smyth (foul)

Referee Joe Hull (Stockport)
Attendance 109